To attract all the air traffic, Nina relies on blue and violet blooms—natural magnets for pollinators like butterflies that feed on flower nectar. Because most perennials bloom for only a month or so, she plants annuals in beds and pots to ensure color all summer. She also grows species-specific plants for female butterflies to lay their eggs on. The leaves provide food for the larvae that hatch and form chrysalides before morphing into butterflies. Nina says, “Part of the joy of creating a butterfly garden is knowing that we’re helping future populations to thrive.”

Click ahead to learn more about Nina's and Ron's tips for growing a butterfly-friendly garden. Pictured: A great spangled fritillary fills up on nectar from tall verbena in Nina and Ron's suburban Chicago garden.

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Grow big blooms

Many butterflies live only a week or two, so help them make the most of their days. Plants with large, single daisy-type blossoms, such as black-eyed Susans and Mexican sunflowers, let butterflies gather nectar in one spot, which saves them time and energy. Pictured: Cosmos.

Protect offspring

Keep an eye out for butterflies-to-be. Chrysalides hide on outdoor structures, pots and chairs. And be prudent with pesticides. Many products kill all kinds of caterpillars, destructive or not. (Pictured: Monarch on tropical milkweed.)